I've owned the MKII version since 2018, and now had the MKIII for a few weeks. It has taken a little time to get used to, but so far the upgrade has been worth it. The build quality is rock solid, and I really appreciate the touch sensitive dials, although I have inadvertently reset a few settings (did I mention taking time to get used to it?). There have been a few quirks with Reaper but this morning I think I figured out what might have been happening (multiple instances of OSC support?).

The Core mixing suite and in particular the Core Panner have become very handy, I've made use of the panner without sacrificing my previous 4000E settings in my ongoing projects I'm trying to finish. The panner really has made a difference in providing depth for my mixes, and my recently purchased UAD plugins can be inserted in their respective sections easily.

The MKIII has definitely had an impact on reducing mouse interaction and even enabling the on-screen display. I'm finding I don't need to rely on it as much, a good thing as I have gone from two monitors to one, instead using my iPad Pro for a second monitor if I absolutely need it.

For those interested, I did not bother with the more expensive solutions for angling the console 1 It worked for the MKII and it works fine for the MKIII. The nice thing about this particular stand is the ledge at the bottom that prevents the MKIII from slipping off is just large enough to also hold my keyboard, providing a slight upward angle for easier typing.

One last thing: there is screen saving film on both of the small displays. Unfortunately in my case there was no way to tell they were there, and I thought both screens were scratched. The Sweetwater folks were very helpful in identifying this, but I had to work at finding an edge such that I could peel them off.

This unit works exactly as described. It controls the plugins from 3 parties very nicely too! Very high end build quality compared to other units I've used in the past. 10/10 for me.

Channel 1 Channel MkIII Control Surface has , so far, proven to be a great addition for my modest home studio.I've adopted the UAD platform and console 1 works seemlessly with all cmponents. Staying in the box was a conscious decision. I have had the large analog experience and really didnt want to have the maintenance, space and power requirements necessary to do justice to that level of investment. Staying in the box has gotten good enough to cover all the bases I'll ever want to be involved with and Console 1 Channel brings back the tactile experience that has been absent. The modules are very well thought out and if I can't get get a great result using the included channel strips, that's on me not Softube. Being able to bring in other plugins just makes it that much better. The build quality is very high and the lay out and visuals are good for a compact unit. The only issue I've had is a small, but anoying, scratch in one of the screens. It does not obstruct use but it's there and shouldn't be on a brand new unit. I can put on my own scratches. Overall, if you are working in the box and want to get a more "hands on, knob tweeking" experience, sacrifice nothing in audio quality, and be able to use very high quality plugins on your productions, this is a must check out unit. I am very pleased and interested in the fader unit but will have to pay off the control surface first. Welcome back to the real world.

Was comparing between this and the SSL setup. Price was not a consideration. SSL had an easier path for using the controller to run other VST's and I already had a lot of professional Mastering effects. But. The form factor fits my space better. The VESA mount option lets me put this where i need it and the brackets let me add the fader all on one VESA Stalk. I'm using it with Cubase 14 Pro. Cubase already has a built in channel strip. I never reallly engaged with it. Console 1 just works for me. That little button up in the top left that pops open the on-screen display for the controller? That window re-sizes beautifully and I have mounted a 15 inch super thin display just above the console 1 that is set to another monitor output and I have a beautiful mix console right where i want it and the flexibility to put it almost anywhere.

OK. I'm waiting on the fader like so many others this fall. They tell me hopefully December and I cant wait. I'll send a picture when I get it.

Fabulous.
I keep adding software from softube as its goes on Black November sale. Their evil musical plan is working!

This things was simple to set up and is an absolute joy to use. My UAD and FabFilter plugins work perfectly. So great to be able to get off the mouse and mix with a console-type feel. Beautifully built and laid out.

For the love of God, do not buy this. I've tried opening the console 1 plugin in every DAW I have installed on my machine, and it freezes for a minute, before eventually killing each of them. You'd be better off putting $900 down at the roulette table.

What an amazing piece of innovation giving us
past and present technology.
Mixing as it should be , paying close attention to listening and not having to worry about where your mouse is.

I haven't even scratched the surface yet, but right out of the box finishing mixing and mastering.

Every knob has an amazing real analog feel, the quality built is spectacular.

Can't wait for the next firmware update maybe they'll let us map out other third-party plug-ins, including mapping out anything.

Freedom and control mapping is what we want on the next firmware update.

Really enjoying the Console 1 mkiii. I only wish it had an lcd scribble strip across the top to show track names. The color leds are okay but it's easier to just select the track in Studio One Daw when working with large numbers of tracks.

Even a console challenged me who has never sat at an SSL or anything has seen the light here in this light hardware digital emulation that manages to give something extra. An oomph that my mouse cannot compete with. An insta-keeper. Load up everything that is Softube and it works. Almost deducted a star for not having UAD Native plugins working from the get go but I hear its in the pipeline. I am anxiously waiting for the UAD to be added. Still 5 stars and a game changer for me. expensive but a level up.

This has done wonders to my workflow and overall mixes & my clients are happier than ever, couldn't ask for more.

I didn't have the previous version, but this thing is the truth. I've had it for two days and I'm already mixing up a storm. UAD-2 plug-in implementation is sweet and everything makes sense once you start to get a feel for the layout. Feels like an instant classic

I'm writing this to those thinking the price is too steep for "what it is". Softube didn't do themselves any favors by barely mentioning that when you buy this, the core mixing software they include as their "dream console" includes their tape emulation called "Tape" and their new bus processor called "bus processor".

These, individual, programs make up a lot of the difference in the cost from the mk II and the mk III.

Now, on to the features. The new knows are excellent and are much better at fine resolution adjustments. The interface has more options but doesn't feel to cluttered. The feature I was least interested in, the high resolution mini screens, actually provide excellent information while heads down. I'm already using the OSD much less than before. They are a GREAT addition.

There is work to be done bit they are minor. While the buttons are bigger, the bottom half are more "mushy". It might be this unit but as of now, the tactile feel of pushing these buttons were much better on the mkii. Also, the block metering in the OCD needs improved. It's too generic and "ugly" for metering.

With all the great things C1 does, simple DAW commands such as creating a new track would be welcomed. However, I admit that I have no idea if this can be done.

Overall, excellent update and the new core mixing console sounds killer!